Leading automaker General Motors has installed around 50 robots
arms at its Factory Zero electric vehicle plant in Detroit, even as approximately 1,300 workers remain out of work following temporary layoffs.
The move has sparked criticism from the United Auto Workers, which argues that the company could recall some of the affected employees instead of increasing automation on the production line.
The newly installed robotic arms were supplied by FANUC and will assist with vehicle assembly by attaching various components during production. The machines were added while workers affected by temporary layoffs announced in March continue to remain away from the facility.
According to UAW Local 22 President James Cotton, more than 1,000 union members remain on indefinite layoff status. He said General Motors could bring some of those workers back instead of relying on additional robots to perform manufacturing tasks.
The March layoffs came after permanent job cuts that affected another 1,200 Factory Zero employees in October 2025, raising concerns among labor representatives about the future impact of automation on employment.
General Motors is not alone in expanding the use of robotics. Automakers such as Stellantis and Ford Motor Company have also increased the deployment of assembly-line robots, including FANUC robotic systems, across their operations in the United States.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Company plans to introduce Atlas humanoid robots at its main electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Georgia by 2028. The Atlas robot was developed by Boston Dynamics, which was acquired by Hyundai in 2020.
The development highlights the growing role of automation in the automotive industry as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and support large-scale electric vehicle production, while labor groups continue to raise concerns about its impact on jobs.
Also read: Chinese-Made Robots Propel Manufacturing Industry Upgrades
